86 Illegal Foreign Nationals and Wanted Suspects Arrested During Gauteng Operation Shanela II as Police Intensify Immigration Enforcement in Honeydew and Cosmo City
The SAPS Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Tommy Mthombeni, led a successful Operation Shanela II in Honeydew and Cosmo City within the Johannesburg District. The multidisciplinary high-density operation focused on crime prevention, law enforcement, and compliance enforcement across policing precincts in the area.
During the operation, a roadblock led to the arrest of 21 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol. A total of 86 undocumented foreign nationals were apprehended for immigration violations. Nine suspects were arrested for drug possession, while one person was arrested for allegedly employing an undocumented foreign national. Fourteen liquor outlets were closed and three tampered vehicles were impounded.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department issued multiple traffic fines for various road traffic offences during the operation. In a separate overnight effort, Gauteng detectives arrested 684 wanted suspects, including 139 individuals linked to crimes against women and children, strengthening ongoing enforcement operations.
Authorities said the coordinated crackdown reflects continued efforts to combat crime and enforce the law across Gauteng communities. According to the SAPS the operations remain part of sustained strategies to improve safety and security while targeting offenders and ensuring compliance with national laws.